Say this for the Dallas Mavericks, despite their resounding success they aren't getting cocky.
"Nobody's in here jumping up and down," said Jason Terry, who had 18 points and seven assists. "I can already count in my head about eight mistakes I had individually."
Those would have to be the only eight mistakes the Mavs made all night. They basically scrimmaged against the Timberwolves, holding Minnesota to 65 points and 29.6% shooting to cap off a perfect February with a 91-65 win. They've won 13 in a row now and show no signs of vulnerability. They may even be kicking the tires on bringing in Reggie Miller for the playoffs which would be more of a gift for the ringless Miller than it would be filling a hole for the Mavericks. You know you're a good team when you're building your roster with an eye on charity.
- The Nets playoff chances have gotten two boosts of late. Dwayne Wade's dislocated shoulder and Jamal Crawford's stress fracture severely damages two of their competitors. It doesn't do anything to help them win their own games, of course, but that's what Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and three-point shots are for. Carter had 27 points, Kidd had 26 to go with eight rebounds and nine assists and the Nets hit 16-of-32 from deep to put the Wizards away late for a 113-101 victory. Washington led 86-85 when Eddie House buried a three from the corner with nine minutes to play. Kidd was 6-for-9 from three, not bad for a guy of questionable shooting skills, while House and Bostjan Nachbar had three each off the bench.
- The Bucks are showing signs of life with Michael Redd back in the lineup. At 2-3 in their games since the break it's more bingo at the nursing home than flag football in the park but they're alive, dammit, and it feels good. Redd had 31 points, Andrew Bogut and Mo Williams had double-doubles and the Bucks took the Warriors 122-101.
- The Pacers had an 18-point lead with five minutes to go in the third quarter against the visiting Suns. The Suns won the game 103-92. You can do the math but I will tell you that the Pacers managed just 13 points over the final 15 minutes and that the Suns are a good team. You probably knew that already though.
- LeBron James hit two threes in the final minute and his team hit four in the last four minutes to hold off the Hornets 97-89 at home. Neither of James' threes was an easy one, but he beat the hand in his face both times and capped his 35-point night with a couple of gold stars. Chris Paul struggled mightily for the NOOCH, seven points and five assists, while his backcourt mate Devin Brown didn't score at all.
(AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
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